The Statesman Capitol 10,000, presented by Baylor Scott & White Health, has announced that Leo Manzano, 2012 Olympic silver medalist in the 1,500 meters, will rejoin the largest 10K in Texas as the 2017 Statesman Cap10K Race Ambassador.

“As the Statesman Capitol 10,000 warms up for its 40th race in 2017, I’m so pleased that Leo Manzano is returning as our race ambassador,” said Jeff Simecek, Cap10K race director. “Leo is an inspirational runner, a true team player and an excellent representative of the Cap10K brand. We’re pulling out all the stops to make next year’s race the best yet, and we’re already off to a great start with Leo’s return.”

Born in Guanajuato, Mexico, Manzano and his family immigrated to the United States when he was four years old, settling in Granite Shoals, Texas. Leo discovered his distance running talent in middle school and went on to become a nine-time Texas High School 4A schoolboy champion. Manzano was a five-time NCAA champion and nine-time All-American at the University of Texas — breaking the 4-minute barrier during his freshman year. Manzano first entered the USA Outdoor Championship in 2006, coming away with a third-place finish. Manzano’s famous finishing kick was on full display at the London Olympic Games in 2012, where he won the silver medal — the first medal for the USA in the marquee 1,500 meters since the great Jim Ryun similarly won silver in 1968. Manzano also serves as a spokesman for the New Mexico Department of Health anti-tobacco campaign.

“It’s a great privilege for me to once again represent the Statesman Cap10K as race ambassador. The Cap10K is one of Texas’ most iconic races. For decades, it has embraced the community and supported many local non-profit organizations that serve it, like the 2017 race beneficiary, Austin Parks Foundation,” said Manzano. “I’m so honored to partner with the Cap10K again, and I encourage everyone to come join us for the major milestone in 2017!”

The 2017 race will take place on Sunday, April 23. The race beneficiary is Austin Parks Foundation. The Cap10K is the largest 10K race in Texas and one of the top 10 in the nation. The Cap10K began in 1978 with 3,400 participants. In 2016, the race had more than 20,500 registered participants. Additional race information is available at cap10K.com.

The Statesman Capitol 10,000 is the largest 10K race in Texas and one of the top 10 in the nation. In its 40th year, the Cap10K will take place on April 23, 2017 in downtown Austin. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a beginner, come see why the Cap10K is a rite of spring in Austin. You can come in your favorite super hero costume…or design your own shirt and run with friends.